The principle at our school was telling me that there was a notice in this past Sunday's bulletin designating Prosperity Heights and Ames as recipients for the funds coming from saving milk caps. We want to thank you for again thinking of Prosperity Heights Elementary. As we get closer to the end of the school year we can certainly put a little extra funding to good use. There are many field trips planned for this spring and I forsee some of this money being used for transportation or entrance fees. Thank you sincerely.
-Marilyn, Prosperity Heights Elementary
I read somewhere that nonbelievers must hear the gospel an average of 7.6 times before they receive it. Around my sixth time of hearing about Christ, I came to a Covenant Group meeting to see what this Christian Life Challenge [Now called "Immerse"] thing was about.
A little worried about stepping into a foreign territory of spiritual beliefs and community, I was welcomed by individuals my age and discovered that I didn't need to be perfect (smile a certain way, dress a certain way, talk a certain way, etc). In fact, I realized that Christianity was more about a relationship with Christ than hardcore religion and that every Christian goes through hardships. However, the biggest eye-opener for me was that this void we have in our soul could be filled only with a "strength from above" instead of through other worldly beliefs.
I was about 23 at the time and thirsty for something more meaningful in life. We can try a million things to fill our spiritual void – but if it is not Christ-based, we will be left with emptiness in the end. I'm now 25, and I am continually "born again" in the Spirit and Truth through sharing and receiving the "connected life" of fellowship and community. I see Life Challenge as a ministry geared towards bringing hope to thirsty souls of young adults…non-believers and believers alike.
-Jimmy
He left the car running, in gear and emergency brake applied. Leveling the barrel at the cashier’s face, he demanded money be placed in a bag. Upon refusal, he put the barrel closer while yelling a string of expletives. The register clanged open. Looking back, he saw the barrel of a shotgun through a double door. He panicked and grabbed the bag. Jumping in the car, he released the brake and sped away. Someone got enough of the license plate to help law enforcement arrest Robert Ray French. In 1976, Ray was indicted for robbery and pled guilty. He was sentenced to sixteen years in the Texas Department of Corrections.
My biological father was a drunk and a womanizer. He left my mom when I was just an infant. My mom remarried when I was 5. My last name changed from Harrington to French. My dad was a heavy drinker, and he and my mom fought a lot. Their marriage ended in 1970, and my mom moved us to Houston. Living in Houston brought many changes, and I had difficulty adjusting. I tried going to school but eventually dropped out before finishing 9th grade.
I was very young when I took my first drink. I had problems with alcohol by the time I was 13. I tried marijuana shortly after moving to Texas. By the time I was 16, I was a drug addict. I began running with guys that carried guns and knives. We only committed petty crimes at first, but then one night we decided to rob a large market. About a week later, I was arrested and my life changed forever. I lost it when my mom looked at me through the tiny window on the door of that jailhouse. I spent five months in jail and received ten years probation.
I had met a girl before going to jail. She was pregnant and having problems with the child’s father. We got married after my release but divorced eight months later. We were both drug addicts. Later we talked about getting back together and decided to go to the beach for the weekend. I didn't have money for this, but I knew how to get it. The outcome to this story begins at the top…
While in my cell one night, I closed my eyes and recalled events from my life. I began crying and covered my face. I felt I needed to talk with God. I did some terrible things as a teenager. I partied with a rough crowd. I knew my life was not right and that something was missing. I asked God to help me get my life back. It was shortly thereafter that I went to a service at the prison chapel. Sitting near the back, I heard a man talk about forgiveness – about a clean start, about a love like no other. I gave my life to Jesus Christ that day. I invited Him to come in and help me make changes. I became interested in reading the Bible and witnessing to others about the change Jesus brought in me while serving time in prison. I was granted parole in 1980, and I moved to Minnesota shortly after my release.
Due to spiritual abuse, I decided to leave the particular church that I had moved to Minnesota to serve. This was a difficult decision. I was going through a divorce at that time as well. It was hard, but I found hope and strength in a lady that was attending that church (but only in hopes of getting her brother to leave). That lady’s name is Wendy, and we have been married since 1992. Wendy has a daughter, Katie, and I have a daughter, Liz. We have a son, Jesse. They are wonderful children whom we love very much.
It was a long time before we felt comfortable attending church again. It was a difficult road to recovery, but we are so thankful that God led us to Woodland Hills. Greg’s teaching and passion for people are what keep us coming back. We know that Woodland Hills Church is where God wants us, and we are very grateful to be a part of a church that is rooted in the fabric of the Christian community.
I can’t imagine my life without Jesus, my family and Woodland Hills Church.
-Ray
God is good! A young woman from our Covenant Group recently got kicked out of her house – she had only 24 hours to find a new place to live and get all her stuff there. She was shaken, and she prayed desperately for God to help and take care of her. God provided! The next morning, the parents of someone else in our Covenant Group were praying and felt that God wanted our soon-to-be-homeless friend to live with them! When our group heard about it, we dropped everything to help her pack and move. Within a few hours, our friend had a new home and all of her stuff was boxed and packed and good to go! It was good to see God be so faithful, and it was cool being part of the community he used to help in her time of need. The Lord has often used our Covenant Group to show His love, compassion and provision. He is good – all the time!
-Jon
I feel compelled to testify to a miracle that happened in my life. In order for this miracle to make sense, I first need to share a bit about my background. I grew up in fourteen different homes (including foster homes and mental institutions). When I was 12, I started doing drugs. By 18, I was a heavy pot and hash smoker, an active speed user, and a cocaine addict. My childhood was very hard, so I buried my pain in drugs.
I was 18 when a woman entered my life (whom I later married). At the time, I was full of anger and hatred towards the world. But, by the grace of God, I completely quit drugs at age 20 and stayed sober for almost 14 years. Right before we got married, I attended a protestant church – something I had never done before. As soon as I walked in, I felt extremely uncomfortable. But I went again and again, and now I know it was the Holy Spirit convicting me. After I was married, I accepted Christ into my heart and was baptized. I progressed in my faith: my marriage grew strong, friends were aplenty, my business grew by leaps and bounds. Life was wonderful. I was actively involved in our church as a small group leader and was involved in music and missions trips. I attended bible studies, conferences, speaking engagements at churches and other venues, etc.
In 2002, however, I found my faith had grown weak. I was growing apart from my wife. I quit going to church and – before I knew it – I was involved in an affair. I confessed to all my friends and loved ones, but I had hurt everyone. I felt terrible inside and lost all respect for myself. In the summer of 2003, buried in guilt and shame, I gave up 14+ years of sobriety and did cocaine again. I didn't care anymore. Life seemed worthless. My faith was gone, my friends were gone, my business was gone…respect was gone. I lost all hope. I divorced my wife to pursue the carnal pleasures of the world – hookers, drugs, parties, gambling, trips I couldn't afford, beaches, and fast cars became my M.O. I went from being a respected husband and member of society to a man full of emptiness and sin. For three years, I left a path of destruction. I lied to everyone I knew and spent thousands of dollars on drugs and alcohol. I befriended drug dealers, criminals, hookers. It all came crashing down in June of 2005. I overdosed on crack cocaine and checked into the ER at 149 lbs. For a man who is 6'1" and normally 210 lbs, one can imagine how sick I looked. I was reduced to skin and bones – and I felt every bit as sick as I looked. I had just gone on a 6 day bender of crack with no sleep. My body shut down – my heart went into cardiac arrest and my kidney and liver could no longer function. I felt death knocking on the door, so I called 911.
After surviving my overdose, I checked into a rehab center and cleaned up. I gained 35 lbs, felt good, and prayed again after three years of silence and anger towards God. On December 24, 2005, at Woodland Hills Church, I asked Christ to come back into my life. I rededicated my life to Him. The miracles that followed are too numerous to mention here. However, one special miracle is that I now get to see my 4 year old daughter through sober eyes. It's awesome, and we have a great relationship. I only see her once a week, but our time together is precious. Today I'm 210 lbs again. I'm healthy, happy, at peace with myself, and excited to watch what God is doing in my life. I'm employed, going to church at Woodland Hills, involved in AA, reaching out to others and growing close to God. I did relapse 95 days ago – but that is in the past and I leave that to God now. The biggest miracle: I spent my whole life lying about my shortcomings and character defects, but today I am honest, humble, serene and loving – gifts that only come from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I turned my back on God and, after years of hurting everyone I know (mostly myself), I have surrendered my will and my life over to the care of God once again. Thank you, Greg Boyd, for allowing God to speak through you and bring this lost sheep back into the fold. It's great being back on God's team. May God continue to bless your ministry.
-Brian
I'd like to share a testimony about my cousin's son who was in the depth of addiction with drugs and alcohol. She called me today and said that he has been sober for a month now. He is going to be in a sober house, he got rid of a girlfriend who was just dragging him down and it is a bright new day for him. I just want to praise God! Thank you!
My niece has anorexia. About two weeks ago she came forward at church for prayer. Since then, both she and her mother are doing remarkably better. Her mom is more open to talking about it and the daughter seems to have a fresh new smile in her heart. I just want to thank the prayer team very much. I have seen numerous answers coming forth praying with the team and I want to bless you all!
